SMALL FARMS SCHEME

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1932, Page 6

SMALL FARMS SCHEME

(To the Editor.)

.Sir—“ Recently Air R. -McG ini'" Superintendent of the F'ie'ds Division of the Department of Agriculture, at Christchurch, drew attention to the vast dairying possibilities of the West Coast. In commending the Government Small Farms Scheme, Mr McGillivray stated that on the West Coast there were vast areas, on which dairy farmers could he settled. At ■present it was held in big blocks, the average holding .on the whole of the West Coast being nearly 1350 acres. In the Ivoiterangi and Kokatahi districts there are substantial possibilities of subdivision; in the latter district one tract of swamp land would be capable of settling from 30 to 40 dairy farmers. It could be brought into use by relief labour, and, with proper treatment, would make excellent dairying land, Manv of the Farmers’ Unions throughout New Zealand approve of the Government Small Farms Scheme for of unemployed married workers, hut so far no definite move has been made in this District to assist to put the scheme into operation, and as much of the unemployed work now being carried out is not of a profitable nature, the local Uneinnloved Committee should solicit the assistance of the West Coast Farmers Union, and the officers of the Lands Department to select suitable Crown Lands for this purpose. No doubt several suitable areas could He had l,v resuming manv of the Crown Land ■Runs in Westland.

As the /scheme merits the immediate attention of the local authorities an earnest endeavour should be made to jrive the scheme a. start in this district, where the prospects of success are so favourable. TAXPAYER.